struggles have lead me closer to God

It's been a while since I wrote anything on my blog.

It's time.

Reflecting back, I know my struggles, although painful and scarring, have led me closer to God. I have a new wonder for His grace and mercy.

I'm never too far gone to embrace Him.

the relevance of God

I was once at a place in life where I would do anything for my God. I would go anywhere to spread His fame. 

I moved on. 

To express that God has lost all relevance is a sad thought. 

But I must be honest with myself.

God can handle my honesty.

As long as I'm not doing anything "sinful" (as through the eyes of the church) than I'm doing alright. 

I have reached a point in my life where I'm questioning how relevant God is to me, to society, to the world. I'm sure in some parts of world, He (God) is alive, active, fresh, etc. 

Just not to me. 

Honesty may be a step to God becoming more relevant in me. 

Today I'm asking, "how relevant is God?"

hindrances

A hindrance is anything that blocks the way for me to do the work God has called me to. To knock down those obstacles, identification is key.

A couple years, my struggle with my sexuality was a hindrance. Now it has become an opportunity for me to share how God has worked in my life. 

Today, hurt has become a hindrance. I fear getting close to a Christian community will result in the same type of pain I experienced in the past.

I need to let that go. 

anchored in hope

I live all my life anchored in the hope of God.
that keeps me going.

a call to missions

For the last few years, I have had a desire to serve overseas. I have had several opportunities but they have fell through.

Recently I applied for a week long missions trip to Italy! The trip is sponsored through Adventures in Missions. (adventures.org) 

On this missions trip, I will be working with university students and also helping with a vacation bible school (VBS). It's time in my relationship with God to step out in faith and trust Him to provide. 

All for His glory-

Susie

benefits

I am currently reading Learn to Study the Bible (Andy Deane) and he lists 8 benefits of reading the Bible:

(1) It assures of salvation
                 I John 5:3

(2) It cleanses us from sin
                 John 15:3, 17:17 

(3) It gives peace 
                 John 16:33

(4) It brings joy 
                 John 15:11

(5) It guides our decisions 
                Psalm 119:105

(6) It helps us in prayer 
                 John 15:7

(7)  It strengthens 
                  I John 2:14 

(8) It leads to success 
                 Joshua 1:8 

-excerpted from p. 12 

on self denial

I must deny myself in order to fully follow after God. 

But what happens when my desires don't align with His? Do I ignore His voice and just go ahead and do what I want?

The answer is not a simple one.

Prayer and discernment is required. Patience is essential. 

Daily I must die to my wants, needs, and desires to glorify Him. 

Sometimes denying myself is hard. 

Glorifying God is a key to self denial. 

This life is not about me. 

It's all about Him who lives in me. And denying myself is a step in the direction of sanctification.